I have to share an amazing system for those students that need a little incentive for their behavior that works like a video game. The student knows exactly what to expect, and there are no surprises with this system. It works great for students who need routine and structure, and nothing else works.
Here are the main ideas, and you can tweak it as you wish.
1. Get a TIMER!!! Set it for 15 minutes (or less) at first. Then as the behavior intervention starts working, set it for more time as the child improves behavior.
2. Use one of those sticker charts with rows and columns. Or create one with one row if the child is more visual.
3. Explain to the student they have three strikes during each time interval. If they get 2 or less, they may have the incentive. Whether it is a job, a prize, etc. They will get that (little) prize. It has to be something that has been discussed prior because the student will know exactly what to expect.
4. If the child has 3 strikes, they will spend the remainder of the timer in time out. When the timer beeps, they may come back. I give my kids control of the timer, because it has that video game effect. They know exactly when they are allowed to return to the group. I teach them how to reset it, and where the timer is placed when they are ready to “reset.” (Usually right on top of the chart)
Tips and tricks:
- Get a timer with big numbers so the student can see when the time is going to be up.
- Be sure you know what the student likes. The prizes do not have to cost you any money. I use classroom jobs often with this incentive.
- Have an incentive for the student when they reach a goal of 5, 10, or 15 stickers on the chart. Perhaps they can lead the pledge, calendar, or even have dessert with the teacher.
- The 15 minutes is very intense at first and it feels like you are setting a timer all day. Do not worry! It does get better. By the second week, I can usually start setting the timer for 30 minutes, then 45, then an hour.
- This is an intervention. If you feel the student does not need the intervention anymore, try weaning off the timer, and go by periods. The goal for the student is to regulate his/her behavior, so when you feel it is not needed, take it away and see how things go.
If you have any additional questions about this, or you have a great intervention, please feel free to share! If you would like more ideas from me, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Teachers Pay Teachers to stay posted with more from me!
I’m your newest follower!!! I’m having a Holiday Linky Party! Hope you will come link up! 🙂
Marie
The Hands-On Teacher in First!
My favorite brain breaks are musical – I have a whole slew of songs we do – either on cd (usually Jack Hartmann or Dr. Jean) or on youtube. Here are a few of my faves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw6z94wJsWI&list=PL6C8EE805C2B385DD&index=9&feature=plpp_video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G07kvhkzNB0&list=PL6C8EE805C2B385DD&index=41&feature=plpp_video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmr_TZLpS0&list=PL6C8EE805C2B385DD&index=46&feature=plpp_video
Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten
@ Hands-On teacher: I would love to link up, but I am just getting started and I have no Holiday products:( I am going to follow you so I can be at the top of your list for next year.
@Jennifer I LOVE LOVE LOVE singing. Have you seen the singlish videos? Those are super cute too!
I’m a School Psychologist in Upstate NY and I just have to say that I LOVE this plan! Very well done. I hope to use this for several of my students!
Have you ever came across students that will not stay in the time out/thinking area? I have three students who cause major disruptions on a daily basis, and none of them will stay in an area they are told to for “thinking” time. I teach Kindergarten, have 26 students, no full time para in my class, and about 6 of those have daily behavior problems, with the 3 mentioned above being major behavior issues. I have tried many many behavior plans, changing layout of my classroom(tables), ignoring, redirecting, rewards, etc.. I also have a small classroom so I am out of space to keep them separated. Struggling at this point because it is greatly affecting the other students in the classroom. NEEDING some ideas for help!
Hi there! I just posted this question for my facebook fans to help us out a little:) We can see if it gets any tips or suggestions! https://www.facebook.com/Educationtothecore
I’m a little confused about how they earn the stickers. Are the stickers their prize for 2 or less strikes and then they trade those in for prizes, jobs, etc.? Thank you! This is great idea!
Yes. The sticker would be a reward for not getting to the third strike in that amount of time. Once they fill up the sheet, they have a reward at the end of the day. Depending on the child, the reward will vary. I have a student who just likes to fill up his chart, so his reward is a chart filled with stickers as proof to his caregivers that he had a great day!
I have tried quite a few “Behavior Plans” for this one student. I was just looking for images to put on a poster when I happened on this plan. I am going to try it, because right about now I need to find another approach. I also see that the behavior is given a Name. I thought OMG, It was all my fault.